Another train strike planned for 9-11 March

A train strike will take place on 9, 10 and 11 March, according to a notice filed by unions this week.

The notice applies to the entire rail network and all SNCB, Infrabel and HR Rail workplaces.

This latest strike is the latest in a larger campaign that began in November, with unions protesting against changes at the federal level that they say will worsen working conditions and make careers in rail less desirable at a time when the sector faces a shortage of workers.

“The government and management are attacking our foundations,” the CGSP Cheminots union said in a statement.

“The government wants to force through a reform of the law. Despite our warnings, dialogue has broken down. They want to decide our future on their own. We will not let them do so.”

The federal government said its plans aimed to modernise the rail sector, including by merging all HR services. Unions say this amounts to operational weakening that sacrifices consistency in personnel management.

The government also wants to end permanent appointments, which unions argue are key to attracting talent. They also note that permanent appointments were a benefit established in lieu of higher wages, and no increase in wages is being offered in exchange for removing the historic status.

Unions also oppose the implementation of a two-thieds majority rule during collective bargaining meetings, fearing “management will grant itself the power to impose its decisions unilaterally”.

Lastly, rail unions join the ranks of other sector unions in their opposition to pension reforms.

“Following our actions in November 2025 and January 2026, we are stepping up a gear,” the unions write.

“The statute is not a privilege, it is the guarantee of a strong public service and decent working conditions. By breaking our negotiation rules, they want to silence us. Let’s show them that railway workers will stand their ground.”